Often times, a physical movement from one destination to another plays a critical role in a piece of literature. This is the case in Oscar Wilde's famed play The Importance of Being Earnest, in which the lead characters, Jack and Algernon, frequently take from their county homes to the cities, as a means to carry out double lives as men by the names of Ernest and Bunbury, respectively. Oscar Wilde's piece mocks Victorian society and its flawed ideals of proper appearance versus that of character, and the journey from country to city aids to exemplify that concept.
Jack, a well-respected gentleman in the country, creates the character of Ernest in order to flee his drab life, and meet with his lover, named Gwendolyn, who has a particular fondness for the name Ernest. The foundation of his relationship is based upon lies and deceit. This carries a certain weight due to the morals of the time period, when it was fine to be fake or immoral as long as you appeared presentable.
In an ironic addition to Jack's act, Algernon pretends to be a man named Ernest as well, in order to woo a young lady by the name of Cecily. He succeeds, although Jack uses Ernest as well, so both women become enraged to learn that they are both engaged to a man named Ernest. At this point, the men are forced to confess their true identities, and the ladies are furious for a short period of time. Then, they quickly reconcile for no particular reason and all four agree to marry. Once again, the hollowness of Victorian morals becomes apparent in this three-act play, for the women are only upset because Jack and Algernon's names are not Ernest, not because they were decieved.
Wilde's use of satire helps to create humorous tone throughout the piece, as well as poke holes in the established Victorian mannerisms.
